Compressor Comparison

[Savanttheory]

Over the holidays I recently adopted a new airbrush. Now to use it I need to look at picking up supplies, chiefly a compressor. Looking through the threads here for compressor, and airbrush I've come across a lot of suggestions and knowledge that I wouldn't have otherwise known. What I could use some help with is identifying some of the differences between two of the models I've seen recommended and which would be better for the use of the airgun indoors.

http://www.gmcgenerators.com/?page_id=1007 California Airtools 3010

http://www.gmcgenerators.com/?page_id=1205 California Airtools 6310

Both seem very quiet based off the youtube video they provide.

So help me out here friends, help me absorb some knowledge!

 

[Patyrn]

Those look like great compressors, but personally I wouldn't like how enormous and heavy they are in comparison to the airbrush specific options.

 

[QuietiManes]

Patyrn: The "airbrush" specific compressors that do the same work at that noise level, are the same size and weight...at five to ten times the price. Which is why we like these so much. There are lots of other options though, if size and weight is a limiting factor.

Savanttheory: I think both models have the same compressor, so the only difference is the size of the tank. Even if it is a different compressor, it has pretty much the same stats, so, the tank is the main difference. A larger tank will improve the life of the compressor, reduce the temperature of the air and therefore reduce condensation, basically, just improve your airbrushing life in several ways. Also, take a look at the models that have aluminum tanks (the model numbers that end in an "A"), for a few bucks extra, it's nice insurance, although, not sure it's required generally...but with how little I pull out the airbrush, it's something that would prove useful for someone like me.

 

[Savanttheory]

So are there any inherent advantages or disadvantages to a hotdog style tank versus a pancake style?

 

[QuietiManes]

Not that I've ever heard. The size and shape will give the unit a certain footprint, impart a certain amount of stability. You may notice certain design choices tend to be more common on certain types of tanks, like wheels on hotdogs and larger tanks in general.

 

[airhead]

So are there any inherent advantages or disadvantages to a hotdog style tank versus a pancake style?

QM has you covered. Same basic compressor. One is larger and has a bigger tank. If you have room, get the larger one. If you're in an apartment, or space is a premium, get the smaller one.

Both look like decent machines. What other type jobs do you plan to use the compressor for? The smaller one is more portable, but if you're going to do some serious painting the larger one stores more air.

 

[garbled]

I use a cheap 1 gallon pancake compressor. It's noisier than the airbrush style, but I can set it outside, turn it on, fill it up in 2 minutes, and then bring it inside, and paint in silence for about 30-45 minutes. If I run low on air in the middle of a job, I just kick it off again.

 

[TheDrescher]

I didn't see any prices listed on the GM compressors above, but I've gotten quiet, consistent performance out of my Iwata SprintJet for several years and it only cost me around $120.

 

[Savanttheory]

Thanks for all of your feedback! I went ahead and settled on their 4610A model. Works wonderfully and I cannot stress this enough, I was shocked how quiet it was.